Failure Frame episode 10: Seven Arcs achieves perfection again with suspenseful storytelling, intense action, and more

Following the anime’s first flawless installment in episode 9, Failure Frame episode 10 certainly had a tough act to follow as the series headed into its final three episodes of the season. Officially released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, episode 10 not only lived up to its direct predecessor’s reputation in all areas but even exceeded it in some.

While Failure Frame episode 10 does have some moments that are adequately done versus exceptionally done, what’s key is that there are no true negatives from the installment. In this sense, episode 10 marks Seven Arcs’ second perfect outing, and maybe even the more impressive one with how well the release handles CGI animation.

Failure Frame episode 10 review: Exceptional CGI animation, continued story development, and more make for a perfect chapter

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One of the most exceptional aspects of Failure Frame episode 10 is Seven Arcs’ recovery concerning their use of CGI. The animation style is used several times in the episode, and looks incredibly smooth and natural every time. At the very least, viewers will agree that it’s much better than the CGI which was being used in earlier installments, but there is a level of quality to Seven Arcs’ use of the style beyond this.

That being said, there are understandably some scenes that look much better than others given the limits of what contemporary CGI animation can do. Sleipnir’s full transformation and the multitude of monsters racing toward Touka Mimori and co’s location at the episode's end are two such scenes. To emphasize, the CGI animation doesn’t look anything close to bad here, and merely isn’t as impressive as other uses in the episode.

In this way, the CGI does exceptionally well enough on the whole to not drag Failure Frame episode 10 down from its perfect grade. Similarly, the voice acting in the episode once again is done adequately well, but leaves no major impression on viewers. There are some lines where Ryota Suzuki’s performance as Touka shines through, but his performance on the whole is still relatively mundane for this episode, as is the case with the other cast.

Failure Frame episode 10 review (Image via Seven Arcs)

However, the episode is perfect in virtually every other major aspect, especially as it relates to character development. Lisbeth specifically is a main focus in the episode, clearly wanting to earn her keep and not drag Touka down. Touka and Lisbeth also specifically grow closer to each other via a conversation they have in the episode’s third and final act. It’s extremely endearing for how clearly eager and honest Lisbeth is with this almost familial love for Touka.

Failure Frame episode 10 likewise doesn’t give much character development to Eve Speed and Seras Ashrain. While some may view this as a genuine negative, it’s worth acknowledging that this is acceptable for how well-developed they both are, yet how underdeveloped Lisbeth is relatively. However, the focus isn’t all on Lisbeth, with Touka also getting some brief but meaningful development.

Shortly after his aforementioned conversation with Lisbeth, Touka realizes just how much everyone in his party truly depends on him. He clearly struggles with accepting this responsibility, but eventually promises himself that he won’t let them down. It’s a quick moment, but very impactful and deepening Touka’s character via the conflict he’s feeling with respect to pursuing his revenge and maintaining the safety of his new band of mercenaries.

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While Failure Frame episode 10 may not have much character development quantitatively, it makes up for this lack with significant action. Touka and co go through the typical motions for their onscreen fights; monster shows up, Eve occupies it while Touka studies and uses his abilities on it, the group wins. While the formula doesn’t change, the group’s contribution to action is particularly exciting for the introduction of new, terrifying monsters.

The episode’s other main source of action comes from a focus on Class 2-C, who are also in the Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters. It’s a quick scene, but one which gives an opportunity for the world’s native warriors to shine. This also serves to emphasize just how much more powerful the Goddess Vicius’ fighters are than Eve Speed. Kirihara Takuto is also given the chance to flex his powers, possibly setting him up for a fight with Touka at the season’s end.

This sequence in Failure Frame episode 10 is also where part of the installment’s exceptional story development comes from. The twins Takao Hijiri and Takao Itsuki reveal to the audience that a spy was sent by the Goddess Vicius to do something to Class 2-C. This both excitingly teases a defection by the pair from Vicius’ forces, and a major move to be made by the goddess and her forces before the season ends.

In either scenario, it’s exciting to see future plotlines which will likely be fully fleshed out in the second season already being set up here. Yet even in and of itself, the scene deserves praise for adding an element of suspense to the episode which truly does come as a shock in the moment. Although it was clear that Vicius had ulterior motives for the summoned heroes, this serves as the first indication that she truly may intend them harm unconditionally.

Failure Frame episode 10 review: Final thoughts

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Without a doubt, Failure Frame episode 10 is the best episode in the series from a critical standpoint, and likely a general fan-favorite as well. The series is clearly thinking with the future in mind both in a long- and short-term sense, which in turn helps to further heighten the current stakes. This in turn gets viewers more invested, synergizing with the episode’s character- and plot-focused moments.

Episode 10 also sees Seven Arcs finally settle into a rhythm with CGI animation, an interpretation further supported by its notable absence in recent prior episodes. In combination with the above and the series maintaining its high quality 2D animation, the latest installment for the series is its best yet, a trend which hopefully continues through the finale.